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Herman van Rompuy, president of the European Council, has backed the view of José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, that it would be “extremely difficult if not impossible” for an independent Scotland to join the EU.

As Mr van Rompuy chairs the EU’s main decision-making forum where the 28 member states meet, his voice adds weight to Mr Barroso’s opinion. But the opinion is coming under increasing criticism from academic experts, who think it out of line with EU policy.

One, who criticised both “yes” and “no” camps for posturing, described Mr Barroso’s remarks as “very unwise”. Mr